Q: What is a CSA?
A: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a way for people to buy vegetables directly from a local farmer. Before the harvest season, members commit and pre-pay to buy fresh, locally-grown, organic vegetables.
Q: What is the name of the farm who works with the DUMBO + Vinegar Hill CSA?
A: Our vegetables comes from Sang Lee Farms of Peconic (North Fork), NY. Read more about all of our farmers here.
Q: Is the produce organic?
A: Yes, our vegetables come from Sang Lee Farms, a NOFA-NY Certified Organic Vegetable Farm. Our fruit comes from Briermere Farm, which is not certified organic, however they certainly aim for as little conventional spray as possible given the wet climate of New York. Many organic practices are integrated into the growing program.
Q: How was the farm connected with the CSA?
A: Just Food is the non-profit umbrella organization who matches qualified local farms with CSAs in NYC.
Q: Can I visit the farm?
A: Yes, there is an open house out at the farm every year in April, and Sang Lee Farms runs a Weekend Farm Stand which you can visit on your own.
Q: When is the CSA season?
A: The summer/fall season typically runs from mid June through mid November. Our winter season runs through November and December. The exact timing depends on the growing season, which depends on the weather.
Q: Do you only have vegetable shares?
A: No—we also offer Fruit and Cheese shares provided by local farms and partners. In the Early Winter Season we offer Fruit, Cheese, and Soup Shares provided via Sang Lee Farms and their partners.
Q: Who provides the additional shares?
A: The fruit shares come from Briermere Farms, also on Long Island. The cheese share rotates between nine different New York farms.
Q: What is the time and place of distribution?
A: Our Summer distribution is typically held in DUMBO Heights at Etsy. Distribution runs Wednesdays from 5:00-7:45 PM..
In the winter, distributions are on Tuesday evenings.
Q: Do you deliver shares?
A: No, we don’t have the capability to make deliveries.
Q: Do I have to be a member to participate in the CSA?
A: Yes, only prepaid members can participate in distribution. There are no on-site sales of the produce during the season.
Q: When do I sign up?
A: Visit our Purchase Shares page to learn more and sign up. New membership is open on a first come/first served basis.
Q: What is the cost of a share?
A: Pricing information is available on Purchase Shares page.
Q: Can I become a member for part of the season?
A: No, we only take members for full seasons. However, you are welcome to select the Partial Share option to try out a smaller share of vegetables for your first CSA season.
Q: How do I make a payment?
A: Please visit our Purchase Shares page for information on making a payment.
Q: Do I have to donate any time to be a member in the CSA?
A: Yes, every member (or family) needs to volunteer to help out distributions during season (2 shifts in the summer, and 1 in the winter).
Q: If I work late or have children, do I still have to work at distribution?
A: Yes, we have a late shift for people who can’t leave work early. If your schedule is not flexible at all, we can arrange for other volunteer opportunities. You can bring your children to distribution with you - we love little helpers!
Q: What happens if I’m on vacation or can’t get to distribution one week?
A: You can ask a friend/neighbor to pick up your share or give it away. If no one comes to pick up your share, it is shared among the Randolph Beer team.
Q: Are there any events or activities associated with the CSA?
A: Members volunteer to plan get-togethers, food demos and farm visits. We always welcome new ideas and volunteers for other activities. If you have an idea and would like to share it via our weekly newsletter, please get in touch with core (at) dumbocsa (dot) org.
Q: What if there is a drought or flooding and the farm can’t produce the quantity or quality of vegetables it normally does?
A: By becoming a member of the CSA you assume the risk of organic farming. Our farmers are highly experienced and will do everything they can to make sure we have the best possible produce no matter the circumstances.